As a Washingtonian commuter, the DC Metro and I have been in a long term relationship that spans from my morning ride into work to my 1:30am stumble off U Street on Saturday night.
First thing is first, what is the deal with the 15 to 20 minute train waits on the weekends? I mean, not only does this often force me to resort to a pricier mode of transportation like Uber, but it also fills up the Metro cars to the point where you are all up in someone’s junk when you really don’t want to be. That isn’t even the best part. The most prime part about a jam packed Metro car is when you see open seats that you could very well be sitting in but nooooo, apparently backpacks and purses are people too and need their own individual seat. Don’t get me wrong, when five other people and myself are in the Metro car, of course I indulge in the benefit of placing my bag on the seat next to me. But during the after work rush hours, it is only polite to place your bag on your lap. We have all had a long day fellow Washingtonian commuters.
Secondly, I think we can all agree that this is an absurdly hot and humid summer. We all have that end goal of reaching the beautiful air conditioning of the Metro car that gives immediate relief right before you hit that melting point. But today just isn’t your lucky day when you step onto the Metro car and realize there is no air conditioning flowing through that particular car at the Navy Yard station after you just got out of a Nats game along with a thousand other people. Now you are even hotter than you were before, getting to know the person next to you a little too well, and have absolutely no possibility of switching Metro cars. I am all about chatting it up on the Metro after a great Nats game or even on a boring ride home from work to make the time pass, but no air conditioning is a definite deal breaker.
Thirdly, everyone is fascinated with DC and of course we all want to experience it. It is the most patriotic part of our country, so naturally every other human being in the United States wants to flood into DC during July and August. I don’t blame all of you for wanting to visit this beautiful city, but you may want to find yourself a map and read up on the usage of the Metro system. You may not realize you are being that guy…but you really are being THAT guy (nobody wants to be that guy).
A couple pro tips for all you visitors:
- The paper passes are different from the Smart Trip passes.
- Escalators: stand on the right or walk on the left side. You just have to choose one.
- When attempting to enter the Metro with your pass, green means go red means no.
- The doors open and close in a matter of 30 seconds which calls for a fast pace.
- Being close to the door is convenient, but as people move into the Metro car, you should filter in as well. I promise you will be able to get off at your desired stop.
Lastly, If you are able to understand a word of what is being said over the loud speakers on the Metro cars, please tell me your ways. I am begging you. I 100% appreciate all you Metro drivers for making sure we get to where we need to be to the best of your ability. There would be no Metro without you, that is for sure. But it is nearly impossible to make out what is being announced. Are you announcing the next stop or saying I am stranded on the Metro due to malfunctions forcing me to miss the new episode of Scandal? I honestly will never know. I just don’t speak Metro.
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate having an affordable mode of transportation like the DC Metro, but just when I think I will be home in no time, there is always something getting in the way, whether it be a 20 minute train wait or the individual who is standing on the left side of the escalator blocking your running track to hop through the Metro car doors that are about to close.
One thing is for sure, there is never a dull moment on the Washington DC metro.
